Discovering Mudcloth

National Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian Institution

2002

This online exhibition gives visitors the chance to design and dye bògòlanfini in the company of Bamana artisans. Visitots first explore the many meanings of mud cloth, the hand-dyed fabric originated by the women of Mali’s Bamana culture. They then learn the value of this beautiful fabric through the stories of three different bògòlanfini artisits. Finally, visitors are able to design, prepare, dye, and print out their own cloth in a unique interactive workshop.